Software Developer

Amentum; Aston-on-Trent; Hybrid; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Software Developer specializing in reactor physics. This role involves developing high-performance software for simulations, ensuring quality and scalability of code, and leading improvements in software processes. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in C++ and Python, knowledge of parallel computing, and a background in nuclear engineering. The position offers a competitive salary and the flexibility of hybrid or remote working options after an initial familiarisation period at the Dorchester office.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and experience of using C++ and Python.
• Knowledge of parallel computing methods and performance optimisation.
• Familiarity with common system tools like build systems and version control.
• Experience with GPU acceleration methods.
• Background in nuclear engineering or related fields.
• Ability to start in early 2026.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the reactor physics team to translate models into software.
• Design and optimise high-performance algorithms for simulations.
• Develop a robust software code base for scientific computations.
• Ensure quality software development through testing and documentation.
• Lead the software development and testing process.

Skills

C++

Python

Parallel computing

Performance optimisation

GPU acceleration

Fortran

Java

UI development

Nuclear engineering knowledge

Mathematical methods implementation

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the ANSWERS reactor physics team to translate mathematical and physics models into practical, easy-to-use software for a wide-ranging customer base including industry, academia and government professionals.
• Design, implement and optimise high-performance algorithms for simulations on a variety of computer architectures, from single workstations to modern HPC platforms featuring a combination of CPUs and GPUs.
• Provide a robust and scalable software code base for complex scientific computations, which can scale, evolve and adapt to future reactor physics requirements.
• Ensure the development of quality software according to ANSWERS procedures, through testing, documentation and version control, and help these procedures and policies develop to meet the latest requirements.
• Lead and drive the software development and testing process with a view to continuous improvement, shaping a robust, future‑proof solution and ensuring the success of this project.

This role will involve an initial familiarisation period at our Dorchester office, where the team for deterministic reactor physics code development is based. Following this, the position can develop into a hybrid / remote role at any of our offices in Dorchester, Warrington or London. Consideration will also be given in respect to part time & flexible working hours.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and experience of using C++ and Python.
• Knowledge of parallel computing methods and performance optimisation.
• Familiarity with common system tools including build systems, version control, code documentation methods.
• Experience of using GPU acceleration methods.
• Desirable: Knowledge and experience of Fortran and Java.
• Experience in UI development for scientific software and visualisation of data.
• Background, knowledge or previous experience in nuclear engineering, reactor physics or related fields.
• Previous experience of the implementation of physics or mathematical methods to computational modelling codes.
• Experience of implementing distributed and shared memory parallelisation methods on CPU‑based HPC architectures.
• Ability to start in early 2026.

Our Culture

Our values are built on a strong foundation of safety, integrity, and respect for every individual. People are at the heart of our mission, and we believe in supporting one another through a culture of care and collaboration. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Supporting mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of connection are essential to how we work. When we embrace different perspectives and work together, we become more innovative, more agile, and more successful.

About the Opportunity

The ANSWERS® Software Service has, for over 40 years, supplied both the UK nuclear industry and the wider international market with high quality software and consultancy services in the areas of reactor physics, radiation shielding & dosimetry, criticality assessment and nuclear data. Our dedicated team of specialist engineers, physicists, mathematicians and software developers produce bespoke software packages for computational modelling of complex physics. Our worldwide customer base is supported by a dedicated helpline with experienced consultants and analysts to provide comprehensive advice in computational modelling of nuclear engineering problems.

£43,459 per year – estimated salary.